With terra cotta, saltillo and brick/Mexican pavers, one encounters three specific problems:

	1)	The water absorption is high compared to ceramic/porcelain tile and natural stone (therefore stains more readily)
	2)	They require drying up to two weeks or longer depending on installation
	3)	They are susceptible to efflorescence, caused by incorrect cleaners and moisture.

Kitchens
The use of these materials in kitchen areas is very beautiful and practical. However, stains from food preparation such as cooking oil, grease, vegetable and coffee/tea, etch marks from wine, vinegar, coke and citric acid, and scratches from sharp objects such as knives can all seriously affect the surfaces and grout joints. HMK® cleaners, impregnators and maintenance products are therefore vital.

Bathrooms
Hard (harsh) water, soap scum and mildew are the main concerns. HMK® impregnators and maintenance products prevent infiltration by creating a perfect barrier against cosmetics, shaving cream, and other staining agents.

Living Areas & Foyers
In living areas, foyers, hallways and entrances these surfaces are subject to day to day wear and abrasion of shoes, tracking in of abrasive particles and dirt from the outside, and finally, food stains and spills causing permanent blemishes. Entrance mats and area rugs are recommended, along with HMK® cleaners, impregnators and maintenance products to insure best protection.

Outdoors
Water and moisture are the main factors contributing to the decay of Terra Cotta, Saltillo and brick tile installations. Efflorescence (white deposit on tile surface), mildew and algae are also direct results from moisture presence. Tile loosening, spalling, blistering, and grout cracking is due to the wet/dry and freeze/thaw cycles. HMK® impregnators and cleaners help prevent/resolve these problems.

NOTE: HMK® S35 may be applied to Unglazed Quarry Tile due to it's higher porosity, but only on dry interior installations.